Halle Aux Chapeaux 1888

This is Jules Chéret’s advertisement for Halle Aux Chapeaux. The poster uses bold lithographic techniques characteristic of his Belle Époque style. Visually, the dynamism of the image is created through contrasting forms. Note how the figures and text are rendered in a flurry of curvilinear lines, set against the flat planes of colour in the background. Chéret's expert use of colour to enhance the composition should be noted. The interplay between vibrant reds, yellows, and blues creates a spectacle, drawing the eye across the surface. The poster engages with the burgeoning culture of consumerism and visual spectacle. The juxtaposition of ‘luxe’ and ‘travail’ implies the accessibility of fashion across different social strata. By utilizing visual codes that suggest movement and joy, Chéret blurs the lines between art and advertising. The artwork functions as both an aesthetic object and an instrument of commerce.